Newark, NJ - Each year on December 1st, World AIDS Day, millions of people worldwide unite in an effort to raise awareness about the global spread of AIDS; remember those who died from AIDS; and celebrate the victories in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Millions of people worldwide continue to be infected with HIV each year. According to UNAIDS estimates, 33.4 million people worldwide are living with HIV, including 2.1 million children (under 15 years old) 1. During 2008, estimates show 2.7 million people worldwide became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people died from AIDS.

This day serves as an important reminder that AIDS remains a major global health priority. We must do more to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Providing universal access to prevention, treatment, and care is critical in stopping and reversing the AIDS pandemic.

The New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline encourages all to ‘KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS’! All those at risk for infection should get tested. You cannot rely on symptoms to know if you are HIV- positive, testing is the ONLY way to know for sure. Many people who are HIV-positive do not have any symptoms for years. Take control of your own health and help prevent illness of those around you.

The New Jersey AIDS/ HIV/STD Hotline (1-800-624-2377) is available to answer questions concerning HIV/AIDS, STDs or Hepatitis. Call for free educational materials concerning HIV/AIDS, STDs and Hepatitis. All calls are free and confidential. The following services are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.